ITHAKA ON THE HORIZON: A Greek-American Journey

The Patriarchal Theological Seminary of Halki is located on the Turkish island known as Heyelbiada in the Bosporus straits. It was closed in 1971 by the Turkish government and is the subject of much controversy since it is the only seminary in Turkey and the position of Ecumenical Patriarch can only be filled by a Turkish citizen. Sign the petition to reopen it at www.greece.org

02 February 2007

Who Loves Ya Baby?

One of my favorite movie actors when I was growing up was a Greek American like me. His name was Telly Savalas and he was a household name in the United States. Telly grew up in New York City and he was extremely proud of his Greek heritage, which he highlighted in his portrayal of the hard nosed, street wise New York City police homicide detective name "Kojak" in the hit TV series with that name. Coincidently his funny, wisecracking colleague in the series was played by one of his brothers, George Savalas, who's name in the series was coincidently, Stavros.

Throughout his life, Telly Savalas was not only an accomplished actor but also a charismatic, creative
writer, director, and producer. He won the Emmy, the Peabody, and
Golden Globe Awards. He was also a strong
contributor to his Greek Orthodox roots through the Saint Sophia and
Saint Nicholas Cathedrals in Los Angeles, and helped bring electricity in the '70's to his ancestral home of Yeraka,
Greece.

Many people do not know that Telly was a Army veteran of World War II, world-class poker player,
degreed in psychology; a motorcycle racer, and lifeguard. He appeared
in over eighty movies, many of them classics. He was
considered by those who knew him a generous, graceful, compassionate
man. I came across this rather grainy video on Youtubeand just had to share it with you.

Stavros,
you bring back memories! I watched Kojak reruns well into the night with a passion. Of course, younger generations would find Kojak too "primitive" but those were the days of character actors and low budgets... Better days, weren't they?

I was in my twenties back in the seventies and away from home. Theo Kojak and the New York City backdrop for the series reminded me of home. It was a different kind of television, more fun and the shows back then weren't trying hard to shock you.

GANYC,

Plutarchos? I like it. I think it would have had the same effect on you as if your Dad had named you "Sue." Your boxing skillls would have been finely honed. Remember the Johnny Cash song? Maybe it was before your time.

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Searching for Ithaka

Keep Ithaka always in your mind.
Arriving there is what you're destined for.
But don't hurry the journey at all.
Better if it lasts for years,
so you're old by the time you reach the island,
wealthy with all you've gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.
Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey.
Without her you wouldn't have set out.
She has nothing left to give you now.
And if you find her poor, Ithaka won't have fooled you.
Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,
you'll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.
C. P. Cavafy

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